Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Video - Nigeria's imports and exports plunge to record lows




Nigeria's trade account headed south in the first quarter of 2016 after exports fell by almost half. Data from the national bureau of statistics show the value of its exports, mostly crude, plunged 52% to 6.4 billion dollars in the three months to March from a year ago. First-quarter imports dropped 15.8% to 7.3 billion dollars pushing the balance of trade to negative 925.13 million dollars.

Nigeria defeats Luxembourg 3-1 in football friendly

Nigeria's Super Eagles rounded off their two-game international friendlies with a comfortable 3-1 win over the Red Lions of Luxembourg on Tuesday.

Goals from Brown Ideye, Kelechi Iheanacho and Odion Ighalo ensured Nigeria won their second straight game in four days.

A sparse crowd at the Stade Josy Barthel in Luxembourg City watched the Super Eagles take on the Luxembourg side for the first time at full senior level with Nigeria doing the early running.

Luxembourg did have a sight at goal early in the game but did not make hay as Nigeria dominated for majority of the first half.

Aminu Umar was a live-wire down the right for Nigeria as they pressed forward to get a goal. Kelechi Iheanacho had a chance to get Nigeria ahead but was denied by a well-timed tackle as Luxembourg goalkeeper Moris Anthony was kept busy.

Nigeria eventually got the first goal in the 35th minute of the game. A mazy run by Aminu Umar created a chance for Ogenyi Onazi whose shot was parried by Anthony but Brown Ideye was on hand to tap home his first international goal in three years.

The Super Eagles continued their dominance in the second half and were rewarded when Moses Simon capitalised on a poor clearance by the Luxembourg goalkeeper to square the ball to Kelechi Iheanacho to score his second goal in two matches to put Nigeria 2-0 up in the 68th minute.

Luxembourg thought they had clawed their way back into the game when Kenneth Omeruo’s mistake in defence gifted youngster Vincent Thill the opportunity to reduce the deficit in the 89th minute.

Odion Ighalo though sealed the game for Nigeria in added time to make it 3-1 and earn the Super Eagles a comfortable win.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

GoMyWay platform helps Nigerians tackle traffic and fuel shortage




A rideshare service is offering Nigerians some relief from high fuel prices after months of scarcity. GoMyWay is a car-pool platform that connects travellers with drivers going along the same route.

Video - Nigeria's economy strained by decreased crude oil output




Militant problem in West Africa is not new. Delta residents, most of them poor, have long demanded a greater share of oil revenues since most of Nigeria's crude comes from their region. The latest militant group call themselves the Niger Delta Avengers.

Nigeria partners with Russia for nuclear technology

Nigeria yesterday signed Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the government of Russian Federation, on cooperation in construction of centre for nuclear science and technology in the country. 

The MOU, which was signed between representatives of the two countries, Mr Sergey Kirienko, Director Russian Rosatom State Corporation and Dr Erepano Osaisai, Chairman/Chief Executive, Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, was part of the high points of Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing 2016 ATOM Expo, in Moscow, Russia. International Forum, ATOM EXPO is the largest exhibition and business venue for meetings and negotiations of the world leaders in nuclear energy. 

Immediately after signing the MOU, Dr Osaisai said that Nigeria’s intention to acquire nuclear technology followed the realization that nuclear energy contributes quite a chunk of global electricity. 

He noted that Nigeria, with its huge population, could not afford to miss out in the current trend. He also admitted that the project would come with a huge cost but added that the cost of not having clean energy and adequate electricity would be higher for those who failed to join the fray. 

Osaisai said: “Nuclear acquisition has come to stay. It is well known that it contributes quite a chunk of global electricity. ‘’Although Nigeria does have other sources of energy, but this is about a balanced and diversified energy basket. 

Nuclear happens to be the one we considered. “The preference is because it is environmentally friendly and leads to a better conservation of other resources.” 

Recall that Nigeria was first in Africa to establish a research reactor when in 2004, it enabled a Chinese-origin research reactor at Ahmadu Bello University. The country is also reportedly seeking collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, to develop plans for up to 4,000 MW of nuclear capacity by 2027.